A study in JAMA Oncology suggests taking aspirin may reduce the risk of colorectal cancer, especially for people who have more risk factors due to lifestyle choices.
Colon Cancer Is a Leading Cause of Cancer Death
Colon cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States. The American Cancer Society estimates there will be 106,590 new cases of colon cancer and 46,220 new cases of rectal cancer this year.
Although genetics may influence your colorectal cancer risk, an unhealthy lifestyle causes more than half of colon cancer cases.
Daily Aspirin and Colon Cancer Risk
Scientists at Mass General Brigham conducted a study to assess how lifestyle choices might influence colon cancer risk factors associated with aspirin use. Using data from over 100,000 participants in the Nurse’s Health Study, the researchers compared results of patients who took aspirin regularly (at least two 325mg tablets per week or a daily dose of 81mg) to patients who did not take aspirin every week.
Taking aspirin regularly reduced the 10-year colon cancer incidence in all participants in the study, but the people who benefitted most were those who smoked, drank alcohol and had a higher body mass index.
Among those with the least healthy lifestyle, taking aspirin reduced the risk of colorectal cancer from 3.4 percent to 2.12 percent.
“Our results show that aspirin can proportionally lower the markedly elevated risk in those with multiple risk factors for colorectal cancer,” said Daniel Sikavi, MD, lead author of the paper and a gastroenterologist at MGH.
“In contrast, those with a healthier lifestyle have a lower baseline risk of colorectal cancer, and, therefore, their benefit from aspirin was still evident, albeit less pronounced.”
Dr. Sikavi admitted there were limitations in the study, including a lack of ethnic and racial diversity. The study sample was comprised of healthcare professionals who had a healthier lifestyle and self-reported on their aspirin use.
Previous Studies about Aspirin and Colon Cancer
This is not the first study about aspirin’s effect on colon cancer. Previous research (Medical Xpress) suggested aspirin could provide the following benefits:
- Reduce prostaglandins, pro-inflammatory proteins that cause cancer to develop
- Block communication pathways that allow cancer to spread quickly
- Promote the immune response to cancer cells
- Inhibit blood vessel growth that feeds cancer cells
The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended daily low-dose aspirin to prevent colon cancer and cardiac issues in adults 50-59 years of age. However, they retracted the recommendation in 2016 because of the possible risk of stomach bleeding.
While you may benefit from taking daily aspirin, you should make an appointment with your doctor before beginning any new medication.
Get Screened for Colon Cancer
Colon cancer is one of the only types of cancer that you can prevent through screening, but it continues to be a leading cause of death. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for colon cancer screening because it can detect and prevent the disease in one procedure.
During a colonoscopy, a gastroenterologist examines the entire rectum and colon for polyps or abnormalities. Other screening tests like stool tests, CRC blood tests, CT colonography and flexible sigmoidoscopy are less invasive, but you must have a follow-up colonoscopy if any of these tests are positive.
Some individuals need to begin colon cancer screening earlier than age 45. Individuals with a family history of colorectal cancer or inherited conditions such as Lynch syndrome or familial adenomatous polyposis should initiate screening at an earlier age.
Find a Gastroenterologist and Make an Appointment
Between 60 and 90 percent of colon cancer deaths could be prevented if adults 45 and older participated in routine colorectal cancer screening. You might worry about testing expenses, but many insurance policies provide coverage for colon cancer screenings starting at age 45 for patients. It’s always wise to verify coverage before making your appointment.
Do you need help finding a fellowship-trained gastroenterologist? The physicians at our GI centers treat all conditions of the digestive system, including inflammatory bowel disease, diverticulitis and cancers of the colon and rectum. Make a commitment to your health by calling today to make an appointment.